13 Best Wireless Headphones Compared and Fully Reviewed

By Stacey O'Connor

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Wireless headphones are a real blessing for runners. No more long cables that were really annoying while running. There are many Bluetooth wireless headphones that can easily connect with many aps and devices. Nowadays, there are many wireless headphones on the market but not every is equal. We’ve created the list of top 13 wireless headphones of 2018. We’ve tried to find products for every budget, there are more expensive products but you can find something budget friendly as well. Let’s get it started.

Last Updated: December 29, 2017

By Brian Price:

We made some replacements and added a few new picks to our list in our most recent update. In addition to that, We also went through and added a little more information worth considering while shopping around for a good set of wireless headphones.

JLab Epic 2

5 out of 5 Our rating

12 hour battery life

Price: See Here

MPow Seashell

4.5 out of 5 Our rating

Affordable

Price: See Here

Jabra Elite Sport

4 out of 5 Our rating

Waterproof

Price: See Here

13 Best Wireless Headphones

JLab Epic 2

JLab's team is comprised of athlete and top tech professionals alike so you know you are getting a quality product. They are a well known brand and a sponsor of many running and fitness events from the Rock and Roll Marathon Series to their local San Diego State University. JLab's Epic 2 earbuds are the choice for athletes who want superior sound quality, waterproof features, and a safety guarentee. JLab took what was already great about their headphones and made them more waterproof, more skip proof, and upped the battery life to specifically appeal to athletes.

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Features
These headphones offer a 12 hours battery life, and when the battery is coming close to its end, the battery indicator will let you know when it's time to recharge. These are also waterproof and skip proof to keep you protected from sweat and aggressive workouts.

Value
Athletes love the price point on these headphones. For under $100, you are getting a high quality product that also comes with a one year sweat proof warranty and a 30 day satisfaction guarantee.

Fit
JLab's Epic 2 are made using their patented Wireless Wire. In addition to this, the product comes with eight different sized gel tips to ensure superior fit. It also comes with a titanium hook that goes over the ear to keep these headphones from comes out of your ears and disrupting your workout. Many runners reported preferring features that hook over the ears because it keeps the product securely in place and reduces distraction during runs.

Pros

One year warranty

Affordable price

8 different gel tips for personalized fit

Cons

Some runners commented that they had problems with their product, but they did also comment that JLab was very responsive and receptive to quickly fix the problems

MPow Seashell

Not every athlete is looking for the most expensive, fancy ear bud that they can find. Some runners want more of a good quality product that will last them, fit well, and provide a reliable sound. The MPow Seashell offers the same quality as some of the bigger brands with a fraction of the price.

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Features
These headphones offer amazing noise cancellation via the CVC 6.0 technology. The overall sound provided from these headphones is great due to the CSR 8645 chip. Runners also appreciated the 7 hour battery life.

Value
These headphones sell for less than $25. Runners loved that they cost is so reasonable, but they didn't feel that the MPow seashell sacraficed quality to cut down on cost.

Fit
Runners raved about the fit of these earbuds. Since one of the biggest complaints with earbuds is that they fall out too easily, runners reviewed that these stayed put (if better than some of their more expensive counterparts).

Pros

Affordable

Good Bluetooth range

7 hour battery life

Cons

Some reviewers commented that the product petered out much quicker than they would have liked

Jabra Elite Sport

The Jabra Elite Sport offers cutting edge technology to ensure superior sound quality and Bluetooth capabilities. These are the headphones for you if you are obsessed with new technology.

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Features
The list is long for this pair. To begin runners get 13.5 hours of battery life because this product comes with its own mobile charging station. Although tiny, each ear bud offers two separate microphones for amazing sound quality. Runners also loved the blue tooth technology, saying that they never lost connection, even over longer distances. Plus they are totally waterproof (and sweatproof).

Value
These are a pricey pair of headphones. They come in right around $250, so they are not for the athlete who is looking to save money. However, review after review raved that they were worth the price. Add to this the fact that they come with a three year warranty which is an extremely rare find.

Fit
Runners love the small and snug fit of these earbuds. They are truly wireless and are comprised of tiny buds that fit snuggly in the ear.

Pros

Waterproof and sweatproof

13.5 hour battery life

3 year warranty

Comes with its own app.

Cons

Expensive

They are so small that some runners reported that they lost them too easily.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit

Plantronic is a headphone brand that is perfect for the individual who is looking for a high quality pair of noise cancelling headphones. Waterproof, sweat proof, stylish and durable these are a great choice for the athlete looking to purchase a high quality pair of wireless headphones. The Plantronics BackBeat Fit prides itself on being a comfortable pair of headphones that won't distract athletes from their workout goals due to issues in fit and function. Another superior quality about this brand is that they really pride themselves on being available and helpful to their customers. They are happy to help you set up a new product or trouble shoot around any issues you may be having.

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Features
While most workout headphones do claim to be sweat proof, these are also waterproof. They use a technologically advanced nano-coating to ensure that moisture, in any form, won't damage these headphones. The over-ear fit ensures that they will stay in place and won't distract you by moving around. Plus, they have an 8 hour battery life. With the on-ear controls, you don't have to struggle with awkward changes of pace or movement to change a song or answer a call.

Value
This product retails for just under $150. Runners reported that it was a very durable product.

Fit
These headphones features an around the head, durable feature to be support them staying in place during workouts. In addition to this, this model features the stay aware technology that doesn't block out all sound so you can stay safe and secure in your environment. This is a unique fitting headset and some runners reported that it took some time to get used, but once they did, they really enjoyed the security that they offered.

Pros

Waterproof and sweat proof

Durable

Stylish

8 hour batter life

Cons

Some runners reported that the range on these blue tooth headphones wasn't as good as some others they had tried in the past.

Bragi The Dash Pro

These wireless headphones are for the lover of smart technology. This is a newer brand but already it is gain serious praise for consumers. The Bragi team took one element they felt was missing from most wireless headphones and added it in. That is the capacity to actually store songs. This ups the anty of the wireless headphone movement. You really can be totally free on your runs now! Plus, they turn on as soon as you place them in your ears, they require only a one touch set up, and runners reported that they were a very intuitive product.

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Features
This is one of the few products that actually allows you to upload songs right to the headphones. No need to worry about your phone at all. It can hold up to 1000 songs on in these earbuds. Runners also liked the products portable charging station which gives the headphones 30 hours of battery life.

Value
These headphones are the most expensive on our list. For those that could afford them, they swore they were worth every penny, but for some, the very high price tag is just too much.

Fit
These are truely wireless headphones. They have no cord whatsoever and runners raved about the security and comfort of the overall fit.

Pros

Holds up to 1000 songs,

Great sound quality

Durable

Cons

Expensive

Jabra Sport Pace

The team at Jabra is obsessive when it comes to the quality of their products. They work a lot with businesses and corporations, setting up their speaker and Bluetooth needs so they are no strangers to pleasing clients and producing quality products. It's no surprise that Jabra made it onto this list twice. They make high quality products for aggressive athletes. The Jabra Sport Pace is a more cost efficient option for runners who are into the Jabra Elite Sport Wireless Headphones.

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Features
The 5 hours of battery life help runners go for longer runs without worrying about their device dying. Although this isn't the longest battery life available in some headphones, this product boasts that it recharges super quickly. If you have 15 minutes, you can get 60 minutes of battery life. Another cool feature? They come in 4 distinct color options to individualize your experience.

Value
Usually, you can find these for around one hundred dollars, but they are often on sale for closer to $70. This is a good price alternative for the runner who wants the quality and durability of the Jabra brand but doesn't want to pay the over $200 price tag for the Elite Sport.

Fit
The fit in comfortable and secure. Runners raved that they never felt uncomfortable, and in fact, many reviewers said they almost forgot they were even wearing headphones. They only weigh 16 grams, after all. Since it is such a huge complaint that so many athletes, it is so valuable to find a pair that you don't have to worry about falling off, fitting incorrectly, or causing irritation around the ears.

Pros

4 unique color options: red, yellow, blue, or gray.

3 year limited warranty

Charges quickly and once fully charged lasts up to 5 hours.

Cons

Some runners commented that these headphones don't come with common features like a button that allows them to skip songs while running.

JBL Under Armour Sport

When you think wireless headphone and technology, you might not automatically think about Under Armour. WHile they have been cranking out high quality gear for the professional and novice athlete for years, they are just starting to get into the headphone and technology game. In general, Under Armour doesn't mess around and it is certainly a brand that can be trusted to produce durable, high quality products for athletes. The Sport Wireless Headphones are tested by athletes to ensure that they are waterproof, comfortable, and deliver superior sound quality.

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Features
The battery of this product delivers up to 8 hours of uninterrupted battery life. It is no surprise that a company that is known for durable, long lasting equipment would create such a long lasting battery life for their headphones. Easy to use, 3 button controls eliminate complications and allow runners to focus on the workout.

Value
This product will cost athletes right around $150. This is a mid range price for similar products.

Fit
One of the highest reviewed qualities of these headphones is the fit. They feature a twist and lock feature along with options for different sized ear bud covering. Both of these features provide superior fit and ensure that the product will not become loose or fall out during workouts.

66 Audio BTS Sport

One thing that athletes and consumers really like about the 66 Audio brand is that they are not just selling quality products, they are also selling a lifestyle. There is a certain respect that comes from owning a pair of these headphones. Many runners started with a non-athletic pair of beats headphones, and were so pleased with them, they couldn't wait to purchase an athletic pair as well. 66 Audio took what consumers love about their product, amazing sound quality and superior Bluetooth capabilities, and tweaked it to create a product that is specifically designed for athletes. The fit of the 66 Audio BTS Sport is comfortable and sweat proof and offers a nice alternative for the athlete who isn't comfortable with the tiny ear bud design of many other wireless headphone options.

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Features
The Bluetooth capabilities in this product are unparalleled. You can connect to two different blue tooth devices at once thanks to the Multipoint technology that is used in this product. The signature amazing sound quality of 66 Audio is also present in this product. Additionally, the larger sized buttons on the side of the headphones make it easy to transition between songs, raise or lower the volume, or switch to calls. And, because of the rechargeable lithium battery, you can enjoy a full 25 hours of battery life.

Value
Runners reported beign surprised at the affordability of these headphones. They come in right around $70 and come with a one year warranty.

Fit
For the runner who is sensitive to the small ear bud that has become the staple of wireless and athletic headphones, the 66 Audio BTS Sport offers a nice alternative. These have a more traditional look and feel of a sweat proof product that covers the entire ear without going inside of it.

Pros

Good sound quality

Unlimited warranty

Affordable

Cons

Some athletes did not like the feel of their entire ear being covered.

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium

Even though it is closer to the bottom of our list, does not mean that this is not an amazing product. Aftershokz has earned high praise from IBT, Forbes, Health, and Digital Trends as well as countless consumers. Aftershokz Trekz Titanium made the list because they are a great product and they are not afraid to break out of the traditional athletic headphone mold. These are a great option for the runner who is looking for a good wireless headphone but is unhappy with the majority of style and fit options. These come in at the middle of the pack because they are a great quality, but they are unique, and therefore not for every athlete.

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Features
The main features to consider in this headphone is that they do the opposite of what many other brands do: they allow you hear your surroundings. This is such an important features for the athlete who is looking for peace on the trail and it is also an extreme safety consideration for those adventuring outdoors. Aftershokz wanted the athlete to still be able to engage in the natural world around them to help them be present in the moment. Also, the AFtershokz Trek Titanium use Aftershokz patented bone conduction which uses scientific research to provide superior sound quality.

Value
These headphones will cost you about $130. They do come with a hassle free two year warranty. This is unique because most headphones come with a one year limited warranty if any warranty at all.

Fit
This product is a unique fit for the runner looking for an alternative to the traditional ear bud design. These headphones actually sit on the outside of the year and allow the runner to stay connected to their surroundings.

Pros

Comes in 4 bright, colorful options

Can still hear surroundings so runners stay safe

Cons

Although they come in different colors that runners enjoyed, some reported that they didn't love the aesthetic of this product.

Bose Sound Sport Pulse

No "best headphones" list would be complete with out at least one Bose product. Bose is the gold standard when it comes to noise canceling headphones and superior sound quality. For years Bose has been leading the charge with the highest sound quality for the home via their speakers, and then they began making their signature noise canceling headphones, and now they are finally moving into sports equipment. The Bose Sound Sport Pulse is a great addition to the Bose lineup and is specifically designed with the athlete in mind.

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Features
Unique to this model is a built in heart rate monitor. It also includes their patented StayHear+ Pulse tips to improve your performance and keep you active and safe. This headphone product also features a microphone on the line that connects the headphones so you can answer calls and stay connected even when you're working out. Runners enjoyed the Bose Connect App but this product can also be connected to any Bluetooth compatible app and device.

Value
Bose is a top of the line product and the price tag certainly reflects that. At close to $200, this product might be beyond the price point for some athletes. It is important to note that this product is an investment.

Fit
This product is designed using wireless earbuds and a wire that connects the two in the back of the head. Runners reported no problems with fit or this products ability to stay put. The buds actually house the battery which makes them a bit larger than your average ear bud, but nonetheless, runners reported that they stayed in place just fine.

Pros

Heart Rate Monitoring

Superior Sweat Proof

Cons

Some runners commented that the size of the ear buds felt bulky and heavier than they would have liked. This is not the most lightweight options.

COWIN E7

If you’re this kind of runner who wants to stay in touch even during running and also want to enjoy some good music, then you should definitely have a look at these headphones. There’s built-in microphone so your hands stay free. The NFC helps to get good connection with the devices with Blootooth. When you use the Bluetooth mode, the headphones will play for 30 hours.

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Features
These headphones are packed with many interesting features. Active noise cancelling technology reduces the noises from the work and travel. If you want to hear the music despite the city traffic, they will work great. What’s more, it can work in both modes- wire and wireless mode. Very powerful sound and accurate base response make this headphones great. There are 40mm big speaker drivers to give you the better sound. The Compact carrying case helps to protect your headphones during travel.

Value
You will be able to get them for less than 80 dollars so it’s a great price for this quality. These are the good balance between expensive and inexpensive headphones on our list.

Fit
These headphones are rather lightweight so there’s no problem with wearing them all day. Wireless wearing is very comfortable

Pros

These have great bass, the highs and lows are also great

Very reasonable price for the quality

You can wear them for a long time

Cons

May be not the best option for people with really big head as the ear cups are tight

Zipbuds 26

Zipbuds 26 are adored by many runners not only because they’re provide perfect sound and they’re sweat resistant but they also look very fashionable .
When it comes to battery life, it’s up to 15 hours of play/talk time and about 200 hours on standby. There’s Magnetic Mobile Charge Clip so it’s very easy to charge them.

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Features
What is very unique about these, it’s Hybrid Driver System that makes the base really deep and distortion-free HD sound makes the sound really clean, no matter what volume you choose. Proprietary Hydrophobic Technology helps to deal with the sweat and preventing the unpleasant odor. They’re Equipped with Bluetooth 4.1

Value
When it comes to the price tag, this is one of the most expensive products on our list. If you want to invest in high quality wireless headphones, they’re worth every dollar.

Fit
They’re very sleek and light so you may even forget that you’re wearing them. The cable is very comfortable in wearing, it stays in place around your neck. The earbud has very ergonomic shape, it’s really small and comfortable

Pros

They work with all iPhone, iPad, Android and Bluetooth enabled devices

Great look and comfortable wearing

The headphones are really tiny, they’re not bulky like some other models

Cons

One runner said that the cord connecting the ear buds isn't long enough

Mpow Thor

Mpow is the brand that you can find the second time on our list. The thing that really draws the attention is definitely the price. There are upgraded speaker driver and on-ear controls for better sound. Check them out!

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Features
Dual 40mm large-aperture driver units make the transition even faster. The sound is said to be really good. When it comes to buttery life, it’s 13 hours so it may be not long enough for some runners. There’s build in microphone so you can talk wherever you want and you your hands are free. The microphone only works in the Bluetooth mode. The charging time os about 4 hours.

Value
Like the other Mpow model on our list, they don’t cost a lot, you will have to spend around 30 dollars and the quality is good.

Fit
They’re padded with very soft memory foam so that’s great amount of cushioning makes your ears really pleased.The ear pad is wrapped in protein leather which is very similar to natural skin. The headphones are rather lightweight so the pressure on your ears and head is reduced.

Pros

They’re lightweight

The pricing is really reasonable

Very good connectivity

Cons

Some runners said that the buttons are hard in using

The Criteria We Used To Find The Best Wireless Headphones

Our list of the top 13 best wireless headphones were thoroughly researched using the following metrics.

Features

Wireless headphones come with unique features that are individual to each product. These features are important for runners to consider because each runner has unique individual needs. One important feature we considered was battery life. Runners, especially distance runners, have been faced with the difficult situation of technology dying mid way through their run. Likewise, many runners find it important for devices to charge quickly once they die or give notice before they are dying. Another feature we considered was Bluetooth connectivity. Some products had a shorter range or would lose connectivity once the device was placed in a pocket. We also looked at special features that certain products offered that made them unique. Some products provide the option of downloading music directly to the earbuds while some came with travel charging case. All of these details are important for the runner to be aware of so they can make the best choice for their needs.

Value

Many of the choices runners make are driven by their budget. It was important to list the cost and the value clearly so that runners could make informed decisions and select a product that best fits their budget.

Fit

Wireless headphones are a wonderful addition to the world of runners, but they aren’t at all helpful if they are uncomfortable to wear. One of the main complaints that runners have in regards to their headphones is that they fall out or need constant readjusting. This can be distracting to the runner. In addition to this, all runners have a personal preference as to the particular fit they prefer. We were sure to detail each fit so the runner could make the most informed choice.

Other Factors To Consider

Technology

The key to a good pair of wireless headphones is that it is compatible with your preferred device. The products on our list can connect via Bluetooth to any smartphone. Since runners purchase wireless headphones primarily to connect to their music and their fitness apps like Nike+ Run Club and MapMyRide, a high quality pair of wireless headphones should have no problem connecting to either. The connection should be strong and reliable. We also looked at the range of the connection as well. For example, you don’t want to lose connection to your device if you place your phone into your pocket or into a runner pouch. Since some athletes are using their headphones in their home gyms, you don’t want to leave a room and lose your connection either. In addition to connectivity, we also looked at the additional technology offered by the product. Some wireless headphones come with their own app, and in that case, we looked at the quality and usability of these apps.

Brand Recognition

Our list has a combination of big brand names and smaller, less well known brands. Brand recognition might not be an issue for some, but some athletes feel more secure with a product that they recognize and has proven to work in the past for them. While there is often a lower cost associated with a lesser recognized brand name, a well known name often comes with a more robust warranty poloicy and a better equipped team of customer service personnel.

Sound Quality

In our search, we found many headphones that fit well, had great Bluetooth range, and also were stylish, but when it came down to it, the sound quality just didn’t cut it. It can be very difficult to fit a quality speaker into such a small space, but all of the products on our list were able to do just that. While some of the headsets, like the 66 Audio BTS+ that made this list, over the total surround sound, noise canceling experience, we also added some headphones that provided excellent sound quality but still allowed you to hear your surroundings.

FAQ

Q. Are wireless headphones waterproof?

A. This is going to be different for each product, but overall, most wireless headphones are sweat-proof, but not many are actually waterproof.

Q. What devices are compatible with wireless headphones?

A. Most wireless devices that have Bluetooth capabilities will be compatible with your wireless headphones. In addition to this, many wireless headphones come with their own unique fitness apps.

Q. How much should I expect to pay for wireless headphones?

A. The most expensive product on our list is over $400 while the most affordable are closer to $50. Wireless headphones can be purchased for much less if cost is a primary concern; however, the headphones that cost less often came with very limited warranties or no warranties at all.

Q. How long can I expect the battery life of wireless headphones to last for?

A. Many wireless headphones come with a portable charging case. These items boast a battery life of close to 30 hours. A good quality product will give you at least 5 hours of uninterrupted battery life without needing to recharge. Some can last up to 12 hours.

Q. Will wireless headphones work without a phone?

A. Most wireless headphones will not work without a phone because they will need a source from which to generate music; however, there are a small number of wireless headphone brands that can download music right to the earbuds, so in this case, you will not need a phone to play music.

Q. Do wireless headphones come in different colors?

A. The traditional color is black or gray but some brands do offer different color options. It is important to note though that depending on the design style you choose, the ear bud may be so small that color won’t really be an issue.